i was driving and the headlights dimmed and went out, almost causing accident. I brought it to my mechanic and at [XXX] it says the alternator on your vehicle may experience a rapid alternator failure due to diode thermal fatigue. Variability in the failure mode ranges from no output, reduced output, and/or a fully shorted to ground condition. Depending on the alternator failure mode and timing, the vehicle electrical system voltage may drop to critical level, disabling systems such as ABS, ESC, and ECM and/ or the Central Body COntroller. the driver will have limited or no detection of the alternator failing, which can result in vehicle shutdown while driving, increasin the risk of a crash and/or an underhood electrical fire. I can't reach anyone to help me with this problem with the FCA Recall Assistance Center. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2013 Ram 1500 electrical problems
228 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 37,100. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 228
- of this car's complaints
- 18%
- typical mileage
- 37,100
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer2
- Instrument cluster/panel2
- Ignition: switch2
- Starter assembly1
- Horn1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ram 1500 electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Ram 1500 electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Software security vulnerability
On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V‑461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other FCA vehicles.In an August 11, 2015 letter, FCA submitted a second Part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the Uconnect RA4 model radio to include additional 7,810 MY 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured from September 18, 2014 through June 25, 2015 (Recall 15V‑508).Scope analysis indicated that Uconnect radios installed in FCA vehicles not included in recalls 15V‑461 or 15V‑508 (subject recalls) are not equipped with built-in cellular access or short range wireless communication features and, thus, do not contain the security vulnerabilities addressed by the subject recalls. SUBJECT VEHICLES: MY2014 through 2015 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles; MY2013 through 2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500/5500 pickup trucks; MY2013 through 2015 Dodge Viper vehicles; and MY2015 Chrysler 200, 300, Jeep Renegade, Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles.According to FCA, long and short range wireless vulnerabilities identified in the recalled vehicles could allow unauthorized third-party access to, and manipulation of, networked vehicle control systems.Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities, coupled with reverse engineering of networked microprocessor control modules, could result in unauthorized manipulation of vehicle control systems. This unauthorized manipulation of vehicle controls and systems could expose the driver, vehicle occupants or other highway users to an increased risk of injury.FCA and its network provider, Sprint, conducted a nationwide campaign to block access to a radio communications port that was unintentionally left open.On July 27, 2015, short range wireless vulnerabilities were also blocked.Finally, third party security evaluation and regression testing identified vulnerabilities that were either remedied by Sprint or through updates to the FCA Uconnect software.ODI identified a total of 30 complaints or field reports on unique vehicles submitted by FCA (29) or received by the federal safety agency (1) alleging incidents of theft from a vehicle or anomalous performance that the owner alleged were caused by, or may have been caused by, remote hacking.Twenty-six (87%) of these reports were submitted after a magazine article was published on July 21, 2015, describing the remote hacking of an FCA vehicle by researchers who were able to affect the operation of various vehicle control systems, including the service brakes, steering, throttle and ignition.Most of the complaints involved vehicle systems that were not safety critical (e.g., complaints related to radio, navigation system, or air-conditioning control) and did not affect vehicle control.Three complaints reported engine stalls.One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration allegedly related to hacking.None of the complaints or field reports reviewed involved the steering and braking vehicle control effects demonstrated by the research hackers prior to the recall.There were no confirmed incidents of hacking in any of the records reviewed by ODI.The remedies completed by Sprint and FCA appear to have eliminated vulnerabilities that mi
RQ15004
What 2013 Ram 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
see it’s a known things with rams that the electronic power steering goes out randomly because of how dodge made it and the dealerships don’t do recalls for it and it’s absolutely absurd to spend 2-4k$ for a fix
In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehicle to a dealership and identified a related service bulletin tied to Safety Recall N25 / the federal safety agency Campaign 13V‑177 (three-way coolant valve). To confirm this diagnosis, I sought a second opinion from another independent mechanic. That shop purchased the coolant valve part directly from a dealership, installed it on my truck, and the same issue persisted. They also were unable to resolve it and advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership. I researched the federal safety agency Campaign 13V‑177 (Chrysler Manufacturer Campaign N25) and confirmed that Chrysler recalled certain 2013 RAM 1500 trucks built between June 25, 2012 and December 12, 2012, because the coolant bypass valve may stick in a position that prevents coolant flow to the heater core. The official remedy for this recall is replacement of the coolant valve along with an updated module calibration, performed by a dealer. I was told by dealership staff that there is no active recall on my vehicle. However, my truck matches the affected description, and I have not had the calibration portion of the recall remedy performed, only the physical part replacement, which two independent mechanics have already completed without resolving the underlying issue. My vehicle is currently at Landmark Dodge in Morrow, GA. Despite this being an open federal safety recall (13V‑177/N25) with a remedy that includes a required software calibration update, the dealership is attempting to charge me for this repair, even though I have already paid to have the physical part replaced twice by independent mechanics.
My vehicle gave my a check engine light after acceleration.I had it towed to a shop they checked everything in said they didn't see anything.So I drove it with no issues for about 5 months.I was driving to work in the truck lost power.I had it towed home.I has a crank no start.That's where I am with.
EPS (Electronic Power Steering) failed while driving. Red steering wheel with exclamation point lights up on dash and loss of steering. Local dealership blamed it on low mileage and lots of city driving when I called them about repairs. They are a week out or more just to diagnose the issue. It has just over 95k miles.
While driving and making a left hand turn at a major intersection my electronic power steering failed and put myself and my passenger at risk as it was extremely difficult to make the turn and my truck ended up hitting the curb before completing the turn. There was the potential to hit pedestrians or other vehicles if I had not been able to turn the steering wheel manually. It was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by any other individuals or entities. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to this immediate failure during a turn. Following the failure of the power steering a warning lamp appeared on the dash that said service power steering and stayed on.
The electric power steering light came on and has caused difficulties driving the vehicle.
2013 Ran 1500 with 120000 miles. Service Anti-lock Brake System advisory message. Truck will start but will not switch into gear.
The vehicle experienced hard steering and intermittent loss of power steering assist while driving. The failed component was diagnosed by an independent repair facility as the electric power steering rack and pinion assembly and steering module. The repair shop replaced the rack and pinion assembly, reset steering codes, performed a wheel alignment, and road tested the vehicle. The steering failure created a safety concern because steering became difficult and required increased effort to control the vehicle, especially at lower speeds and during turning maneuvers. The condition was confirmed by an independent repair shop. The manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. The removed component may no longer be available for inspection because the repair has already been completed. Prior to the repair, the vehicle experienced intermittent hard steering and/or loss of steering assist. No specific warning lamps or messages are recalled at this time. This vehicle is a 2013 Ram 1500 and experienced symptoms similar to known electric power steering issues affecting similar Ram 1500 vehicles, although this VIN was not included in the recall population.
My electrical power steering randomly went out while driving come to find out I have to replace rack and pinion as well since my steering is electric. I have been trying to find a remanufactured rack and pinion with electric power steering for 4 months and everywhere is out of stock and on back order I’m very disappointed in this safety issue considering I’m a single dad of 3 and the steering randomly went in and out almost causing me to wreck. Then on top of that I can’t even get the part I need this isn’t okay and needs to be addressed asap
Questions about the 2013 Ram 1500 electrical
Does the 2013 Ram 1500 have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 228 complaints about the electrical of the 2013 Ram 1500, 18% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2013 Ram 1500 electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 37,100 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Ram 1500 electrical?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Ram 1500 have the most electrical problems?
The Ram 1500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2019 (382 complaints), 2014 (246 complaints) and 2013 (228 complaints).
Other 2013 Ram 1500 problems
Steering 643Engine 130Airbags 94Transmission 86Brakes 79Fuel system 50Suspension 44Body 40Acceleration 37Lights 31Driver assistance 27Visibility 18Seat belts 15Wheels 12Locks 8Seats 6Tires 6
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2013 Ram 1500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history